Steam and liquid spray iron



July 3, 1962 A. G. swENsoN ETAL 3,041,757

STEAM AND LIQUID SPRAY IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 19, 1957 Y heb At tor/7gg.

fr; Ventans. A/frea 6. Juve/ 76027, Haro/a .S FUJ l",

IIIIIIIYIAVII July 3, 1962 A. G. swENsoN ErAL 3,041,757

STEAM AND LIQUID SPRAY IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 19, 1957 fn ver;t ons. A/frea 6 JwenJa/z Haro/d 5. /TZJS r:

777 e/'r' A or gg.

I I l l r u @awry 2.3 j

6 Q n n n n a n n n n n Jly 3, 1962 A. G. swENsoN ETAL 3,041,757

STEAM AND LIQUID SPRAY IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 19, 1957 July 3,1952 A. G. swl-:NsoN ErAL 3,041,757

STEAM AND LIQUID SPRAY IRON 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 19, 19573,041,757 Patented July 3, 1962 assignors to General Electric Company, acorporation of N ew York Filed June 19, 1957, Ser. No. 666,660 24-Clailns. (Cl. 35i- 77) This invention relates to steam irons, and tosuch an iron provided with a liquid sprayer powered by steam generatedwithin the iron.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved steam iron,including a liquid sprayer operable at will and powered by steamgenerated within the iron, and supplied with liquid from -a reservoirassociated with the iron.

Another object of this invention, in a steam iron having a liquidcontainer under pressure, is to provide an improved control valve systempresenting increased safety in operation and improved performance. Morespeciiically, it is an `object to provide a liquid filling arrangementin which an inlet valve remains closed whenever there is steam pressurewithin the iron.

A further object of this invention is to provide an iron with improvedperformance, reliability, ease of operation, and safety; and which ironis capable of operation as a dry iron, an improved steam iron, or as aliquid sprayer with -conveniently located controls readily available foroperator selection.

The objects of our invention may be realized in accordance with oneaspect thereof by providing a till valve for the liquid reservoir whichnormally is held closed by steam pressure within the reservoir. When itis desired to till the iron with liquid, the steam -generator is shutolf, for example by a push button, which motion also relieves springpressure against the till valve. At the same time, a pressure reliefvalve is forced open, allowing steam to escape slowly. When the steampressure is thus released, the till valve opens, without risk of injuryto the operator.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, the liquidreservoir containing steam pressure provides power and liquid forsprayer operation. This is accomplished by use of a steam tubecommunicating from steam space in the reservoir to a discharge sprayerorifice; and a Water tube supplying Water from the reservoir to thesprayer orifice. The manually operable sprayer valve is located at thedischarge oriiice, so that the steam tube and water pipe remain at thesteam operating temperature. In accordance with an exemplary form ofthis invention, steam is generated in a flash steam chamber, separatefrom the reservoir. A steam pressure balancing tube supplies steam tothe upper portion of the reservoir above the water level. However, torestrict'rapd dissipation of heat through the reservoir, a restrictivebaffle is provided encircling the pressure balancing tube, and other operating components associated with the steam generator and liquidsprayer.

The subject matter which we regard as our invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thisspecification. The invention, however, both as to organization andmethod of operation, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference tothe following descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a side elevation, partially in section, of a tlatironembodying our invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the steam chamber cover assemblyto show detail;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation taken on the line 3 3 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevation, partially in section, oi

a portion of the device shown by FIG. 3, showing additional details of apressure control valve;

FlG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged View, partially in section, of the spray nozzleassembly in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view, partially in section, similar to FIG. 6,showing the components in a different operative position;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevation, partially in section, illustrating amodied liquid sprayer in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional View of a spray nozzle inaccordance with the embodiment 4of FIG. 8;

FIG. lO is an endelevation of the nozzle assembly shown by FIG. 9;

FIG. l1 is a partial side elevation, partially in section, of a furtherlmodified form of liquid sprayer in accordance with this invention;

FIG. l2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle assemblyof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a partial 'side elevation, partially in section, of `ahir-ther modilied form of a liquid sprayer included in this invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle assemblyof the FIG. 13 embodiment;

FIG. l5 is a partial side elevation, partially in section, of a furthermodified form of a liquid sprayer in accordance with this invention; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectonal view of the spray nozzle assemblyof the embodiment of FIG. 15.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 an iron is illustratedembodying the various features of this invention. Typically, the iron isprovided with a soleplate 1 to which is secured a cover 2 and operatinghandle 3. In accordance with conventional practice, soleplate 1 may becast from a -rnaterial such as aluminum with an electrical heating eleement cast in position. This heating element preferably is of thesheathed type in which the electrical resistance element 4 extendsthrough an outer tubular protective sheath 5, with the heating elementseparated from the outer sheath by an electrical insulating compoundresist- Iant to heat, such as a mass 6 of granulated and cornpressedmagnesium oxide. EIn the usual manner, the heating element extends in aloop or bight commencing at the rear of the iron `and along one side tothe forward or pointed end of the iron, and thence rearwardly along theother side. Thus, a substantially uniform heat distribution is provided,especially when -an aluminum soleplate is employed.

This iron includes means for generating vapor under pressure. Whiletypically -an iron such as this may be used to convert water into steam,obviously other liquids may be employed. While other means are availablefor generating or supplying steam to the iron, we prefer to employ ailash steam generator capable of substanti-ally instantaneous conversionof Water or other liquid drop by drop into steam. For this purpose,soleplate 1 is provided with a steam generating cavity 7. Liquiddischarged through orice 8 of a steam control valve body 9 is convertedinto steam on contact with the walls of cavity 7. The steam so generatedis confined and directed over the heated upper surface of the soleplateby means of a cover plate assembly 10 secured to the soleplate by aplurality of fastening devices 11.

Steam dome 13 is secured Referring to both riesige? to the cover platein any suitable fashion to provide a vapor-tight seal. In the presentinstance, and as shown particularly in FIG. 5, the steam dome memberincludes an. annular portion 14 adapted to tbe received in a circularrecess in the cover plate. The outwardly extending ange 15 of the domemay be apertured to receive projecting lugs of the cover plate, whichupon assembly are flared over to fasten the dome securely in position.

The steam dome functions additionally to support various components ofthe iron, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, `and 5. As previously noted, the steamcontrol valve includes a body 9 welded or otherwise secured inliquidtight fashion in the top wall of the steam dome. Preferably, aninlet screen 9a is provided for valve body 9 to exclude scale ywhichmight block orifice 8. Additionally, the steam dome carries a pressurebalancing tube 16 as shown most clearly in FIG. 5. This tube transmitsthe pressure from the flash steam generator to the upper portion of aliquid reservoir presently to be described. As shown, the upper end ofthe pressure balancing tube is provided with a deflector plate 17forming a part of a clip 18 mounted on the upper end of the pressurebalancing tube. Furthermore, steam dome 13 supports the upwardlyextending tube 19 for a pressure regulator Valve presently to bedescribed, and as shown in FIG. 3. Finally, upwardly extending studs,such as 20 and 21, extend upwardly from the steam dome for securingother components of the iron in asemblcd relation. It is to beunderstood, of course, that all of these connections to the steam domeare liquid tight, accomplished by brazing, metal spinning, or otherequally well known techniques.

As shown clearly in FIG. l, this iron is provided with steam ports 22opening through the soleplate to the material to be ironed. This is, ofcourse, conventional practice in steam iron constructions. In accordancewith this invention, cover plate 12 is provided with ribs 12a to channelsteam flow `from the steam generator. By use of such ribs, the steam,before exhaust through steam ports 22, is directed through a pressureregulating valve shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular,this valve includes a 'valve seat member 23 secured within cover plate12. Steam generated within cavity 7 is directed upwardly for downwardtiow through regulator valve seat 23. From the exhaust side, steam ispermitted to flow freely through the steam discharge ports 22. In orderto maintain the desired steam pressure within the iron, a spring loadedpressure regulating valve is cooperatively associated with valve seat23. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this valve comprises a valve stem 24slidably carrying bushing and its associated flexible sealing disk 26. Arelatively loose fit is provided .around this bushing with respect tothe valve stem 24, to provide an yannular passage for steam flow for apurpose to be described. Valve bushing 25 is biased upwardly intoengagement with valve seat 23 by a compression spring 25a. On thelowermost end of Valve stem 24 is secured a disk 24a and associatedflexible vsealing disk 2417. This sealing disk is biased upwardlyagainst the lower surface of bushing 25 to seal off the annular passagebetween bushing 25 and the valve stem. This bias, as shown in FIG. 3, isprovided by a compression spring 30. For cooperation with spring 30, theupper end of valve stern 24 carries a cap 27 held in position by a snapwasher 28. Compression spring bears at its lower end against the crimpedend of tube 19` and at its upper end against cap 27. .By this means,valve disk 24a is biased upwardly into engagement with bushing 25. Tube19 and cap 27 enclose the valve stem to prevent water from splashingdownwardly into the steam passageway. However, cap 27 is free to movetelescopically with respect to tube 19. Therefore, in operation, steampressure builds up within the iron until the force exerted on the uppersurface of the Valve member equals the upward force exerted by springs25a and 30. Thus, this valve regulates normal operating steam pressurewithin the iron, `and any excess of steam over operating requirementsmay escape, for example, through the soleplate.

A liquid `supply for iron operation preferably is carried within theiron itself. As shown in FIG. l, a liquid reservoir 31 appropriatelyformed of corrosion-resistant metal with sealed joints is housed withinthe iron in the space under cover 2 and overlying the soleplate andcover plate assembly. The lower wall of reservoir 31 is provided with anenlarged aperture adapted to receive the upper portion of steam dome 13,with a sealing gasket 32 being provided at the junction for afluid-tight connection. Thus, balance tube 16 and the housing for thepressure regulator project upwardly to the upper portion of liquidreservoir 31.

During the operation of the iron as a steam iron, steam generated withincavity 7 rises upwardly through pressure balancing tube 16 to supplysteam pressure to the upper portion of the reservoir. If the liquidreservoir is operating at a lower temperature than the steamtemperature, it is obvious that some of the steam may be condensed,tending, of course, to decrease steam pressure, Therefore, it ispreferred to restrict circulation of liquid and steam within thereservoir, especially in the area occupied by the pressure balance tubeand the spray mechanism presently to be described. A baille 33 servesthis very useful and essential function of restricting steam and liquidcirculation in the reservoir, thus conserving steam pressure insofar aspossible. It is, of course, essential that this baiiie be apertured to alimited degree to permit liquid to ow into the area encompassed by thebaie, and to allow the ste-'am pressure to equalize throughout the upperportion of `the reservoir. Furthermore, bale 33 may serve the`additional function of providing structural support for Variouscomponents of the iron.

For maximum utility in various ironing operations, the

v iron should be operable as a dry iron, as a steam iron, or,

if desired, as a liquid sprayer. Therefore, means are provided forcontrolling whether or not steam is generated within the iron. Asillustrated by FIG. l, this means comprises a valve stem assemblycooperable with valve body 9. A valve stem 34, having a clean-out pin 35for orifice S on the lower end thereof, cooperates with valve body 9 tocontrol liquid flow through orice 8 from reservoir to flash steamgenerator, Valve stern 34 is guided in its movement by a bearing bracket36, having lanoed projections 37 engageable in apertures in bale 33.Thus, movement of valve stem 34 is guided with respect to valve body 9.Valve stem 34 extends upwardly through the top wall of the reservoir andterminates in a push button 38. Button 38 is provided with a latchingshoulder 39 engageable with an interior projection 40 on the handle. Acompression spring 41 encircling valve stem 34 tends to force valve stem34 to its upper position as shown in FIG, l, in which position liquidmay flow from the reservoir through orice 8 into the iiash steamgenerator. If it is desired to operate the iron as a dry iron, pushbutton 38 is depressed to engage latch 39 under portion 40' of thehandle, whereby orifice 8 is sealed oif so that no steam is generated.

For filling reservoir 31 with liquid, a iill opening 42 and funnel 43are provided at the front of the iron, `arranged so that liquid may beeasily introduced when the iron is upended on its heel rest. This liquidinlet communicates with the reservoir through a riser 44 extendingupwardly into hollow front handle support 45, Liquid entering thereservoir, however, must flow through a valve comprising a valve seat 46and valve disk 47. Normally, this liquid iill valve is biased to aclosed position, 'as shown in FIG. 1, by compression spring 41 of thesteam control valve. It may be noted that valve disk 47 of the liquid llvalve is slidably mounted on valve stem 34. A small compression spring48 encircling the valve stern above valve disk 47 tends to move thisvalve to an open position. However, valve disk 47 is positioned insidereservoir 31, so that steam pressure existing within the reservoir tendsto force valve disk 47 tightly against its valve seat, thus sealing theliquid reservoir. If push button 33 is depressed while steam pressureexists within the reservoir, valve stem 34 moves downwardly -to closeoff orifice 8. However, Valve disk 47 will remain closed until such timeas the steam pressure within the reservoir decreases to a completelysafe degree, whereupon spring 4S forces valve disk 47 open, allowing thereservoir to be filled.

To insure that steam pressure in the reservoir will be dissipated whenit is desired to add liquid to the reservoir, a further means isprovided for pressure release, As illustrated by FIG. l, an operatingarm 49 is secured to valve stem 34. Arm 49 extends laterally to aposition overlying the upper end `of cap 27 of the pressure regulatingValve. Therefore, whenever steam control valve stem 34 is forceddownwardly by push button 38, valve stem 24 of the pressure regulator isforced downwardly to release sealing disk 24h from bushing 25. T'hus,the restricted passage provided between the loosely fitting bushing andvalve stern 24 allows a gradual release of steam pressure through theaperture in the soleplate. Such a gradual pressure release is desirableto avoid the violent boiling action and surging of liquid in thereservoir if pressure were reduced suddenly. The open passageway thusprovided through the pressure regulating valve serves further to allowair within the reservoir to vent through the soleplate during a liquidfilling operation.

A liquid sprayer assembly in accordance with this invention ispositioned in an upper portion of the iron. As illustrated, this sprayhead assembly 50 is arranged within the front handle support to sprayliquid through an opening 51 in `the front plate, Preferably, thesprayer is directed in a generally downwardly direction, so that thefabric being ironed can be dampened without lifting the iron. Toaccommodate spray head assembly 50, a steam tube 52 is sealed to andextends upwardly from the reservoir riser. This tube is thus in directcommunication with the steam space in the reservoir. The lower portionof the spray head assembly is sealed in any appropriate manner atshoulder 53 to the steam tube 52. Also associated with the spray headassembly is a liquid tube 54, com municating at its lower end with thelower portion or liquid space in the reservoir, and at its upper endwith the spray nozzle assembly. Preferably, the lower portion of liquidtube 54 is provided with an inlet screen 55 to prevent any sediment orparticles from entering the yliquid tube which might impair itsoperation. In an iron of this type, high velocity steam passing throughthe pressure balancing tube tends to carry flakes of any calcium depositwhich may accumulate within the steam generating charnber. Suchinsoluble flakes, if not screened out, might impair operation both ofthe liquid sprayer and of the steam control valve. Defiector plate 17 onthe upper end of the balance tube functions to avoid the possibility offlakes or particles being carried to the spray nozzle by the steam flowFor convenience of assembly, the entire reservoir, and including theriser, may be clamped into position against the steam dome by thestudsZfl and 2i. As shown by FIG. l, a nut 57 engaged on the upper endof each stud serves this purpose.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 6 and 7, an enlarged detail is shownin two operative positions of the liquid spray head itself. This sprayhead assembly comprises an outer steam tube 58, which, as previouslyindicated, is sealed to the upwardly extending steam pipe 52 from thereservoir. The outer end `of steam tube S is closed by an end cap 59.Extending through the steam tube is the liquid pipe 54, which pipe alsois closed at its outer end by the end cap 59 or other suitable means.Slidably positioned over the outer end of steam tube 58 is a valve cap61 adapted to be moved from its closed or sealed position against aflexible gasket 62 as shown in FIG. 6 to an open position as shown inFIG. 7. It may be noted specifically that the outer end of liquid tube54is spaced slightly from the interior wall of steam tube 58, as shown at63. This has been found to be desirable for a satisfactory low pressurespray nozzle. However, this particular feature does not form a part ofthe claimed invention, but is disclosed and claimed in the copendingapplication of Harold. S. Foster, application Serial Number 666,659,filed lune 19, 1957 and assigned to the General Electric Company,assignee of the present application. Near the outer end of steam tube 58is a discharge orifice 64, allowing steam flow through this orifice whenvalve cap 61 is open to the FIG. 7 position. Aligned with orifice 64 inthe steam tube is a diametrical passageway 65 through the liquid tube.Thus, when high velocity steam flows outwardly through orifice 64, asubstantial quantity of the steam flows across the liquid tube throughthe aligned ports 65. By the aspiration effect, liquid is drawn upwardlythrough water tube 54, and upon engagement of the liquid with the highvelocity steam, the liquid is atomized and sprayed outwardly in a finelydivided spray.

Preferably, valve cap 61 is arranged to be push-button operated from aconvenient point externally of the iron. For this purpose, end cap 61 isconnected at 66 to a yoke member 67. Yoke member 67 has a lower portionor arm 68 guided on the lower portion of steam tube 58. 'I'his yoke isoperatively connected to a lever 69 (FIG. l) pivotally mounted on anupstanding bracket 70. The opposite end of arm 69 is connected to ashank 71 provided on spray control button 72. -A spring 73 normallybiases button 72 upwardly, and hence the spray control cap 61 to itsclosed position. Therefore, if at any time the operator desires a liquidspray, the desired result can be accomplished merely by depressingbutton 72, Whereupon spray orifice 64 is exposed. Outward travel ofspray cap 61 may be limited in any appropriate manner. By way ofexample, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a snap ring 74 encirclessteam tube 58. When yoke 67 has traveled to the limit of its outwardmovement, arm 68 comes into engagement with snap ring 74, thus t limitfurther travel.

It is pointed out in particular that the valve for the liquid sprayershould be located at the spray orifice itself, rather than at some pointwithin a lower portion of the iron. With the construction as thuspresented, the steam in the upper portion of the reservoir is presentconstantly at the steam discharge orice and at the outer end of theliquid tube, and thus the entire spray head remains essentially at thesteam temperature. Therefore, when the sprayer is operated, the spraycan start immediately without objectionable preliminary dribble which isotherwise caused by condensed steam fiowing into a relatively cool tube.

Temperature control means is also provided. adjacent the top forwardportion of the handle for convenient operator adjustment. In thisinstance, a temperature control knob 75 is mounted on the end of an arm76, which in turn is pivotally carried by the bracket 70. Morespecifically, arm 76 is connected to a hub 77 and sprocket 78. Sprocket78, in turn, drives a fiexible element, for example in the form of abead chain 79, downwardly through the front handle support into the bodyof the iron. Thus, rotation of knob 75 provides linear motion to thebead chain, which motion is capable of adjusting a temperatureresponsive switch mechanism of any suitable type. Since suchthermostatically controlled switches are well known in the art, thedetails have not been illustrated herein. A suitable temperature scalemay be provided at 80 cooperatively associated with knob 75. Internallyof the handle, a friction spring 81 may be added to retain thetemperature adjustment mechanism in position and obviate accidentaldisplacement.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, and l0, an alternate embodiment of thespray nozzle assembly and the operating mechanism therefor has beenillustrated. To the eX- tent that components are common with thepreviously `described embodiment, the same reference numerals have beenapplied. This embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 10 diiers primarily in thearrangement for controlling the liquid sprayer. As in the previouslydescribed embodiment, control is accomplished by opening or closing thesteam spray aperture 64. In this embodiment, a spring sleeve 82encircles steam tube 58, with a portion of this spring sleeve shaped toconform to and biased into close contact With that portion of the steamtube in which is located lthe spray orifice 64. This arrangement isclearly illustrated in particular by FIG. l0, illustrating the manner inwhich this formed portion of the spring sleeve closely contacts the areaof the steam tube wherein is located the steam oriiice. This springsleeve is slidable on the exterior surface of the steam tube, and it isprovided 'with outwardly extending `ears 33 and 84. As shown by FIG. 8,these ears are engaged by the operating lever SS pivoted on a pin 8o tothe upstanding bracket 70. A torsion spring 87 encircles pivot pin 86,and is arranged with one end thereof in engagement with a portion of thetix-ed bracket 70. The opposite end of this torsion spring is engaged bya hook portion S8 of Iactuating lever '71. A second lower hook portion8g on actuating lever 71 is adapted to engage the lower portion ofoperating lever With this arrangement, push button 72 is biased upwardlyby spring 87, and at the same time the spring sleeve 82 is biaseddownwardly to a closed position with respect to oriiice When- -ever itis desired to apply spray to the fabric being ironed, push button 72 isdepressed, thereby lifting spring sleeve 32, to expose the spray orice64. Otherwise, this embodiment functions in substantially the samemanner as the previously described arrangement.

While in the previously described embodiments, the spray `control cap ormember was applied externally of the steam tube, it is also feasible toapply this control member internally of the steam tube, with a portionthereof intermediate the aperture in the liquid tube and the aperture inthe steam tube. Such an arrangement is shown as an alternate embodimentin FIGS. ll and l2. In this instance, a steam tube @il of the spraynozzle assembly is connected in any suitable manner to the upwardlyextending steam conduit 52 from the reservoir. The outer end of thissteam tube Sil is open to receive an internal `cap 91. As clearly shownby FIG. l2, this cap 91 extends inwardly within the steam tube asuflicient distance whereby it is adapted to close olf the passagewaybetween aperture 65 of the liquid tube and the adjacent spray port 64 inthe steam tube. Thus, with the components in the position shown by FIG.l2, no spray issues from orifice 64. However, cap 91 is slidable withrespect to the steam tube, and is connected to an operating yoke 92.This yoke, in turn,'is connected to the operating lever 35 pivoted aspreviously described to the frame. rTherefore, whenever push button 72is depressed, the internal cap 9'1 is lifted, thus opening the sprayport 64 4and the liquid port 65. Thereupon spray issues in the manner aspreviously described.

A further variation of a spray nozzle assembly and operating mechanismis illustrated by FIGS. 13 and 14, in which spray from the orifice in asteam tube 92 is controlled by a pin 93 which extends diametricallythrough the steam tube and the aligned apertures in liquid tube 54.Thus, when pin 93 is in the position shown by FIG. 14, it is-impossiblefor spray to issue from vthe oriiice in the steam tube; however, when apin 93 is withdrawn from the orifice in the steam tube and also from theadjacent orifice in the liquid tube, both liquid and steam may issue forspray in the manner previously described. As clearly illustrated by FIG.14, pin 93 may have a sliding tit with steam tube 92, with anappropriate sealing gland 94 provided toy prevent any undesirableleakage. The outer end of the control pin 93 may include a hook portionfor engagement with an operating lever 95 carried on a pivot pin 86 aspreviously described. A somewhat similar torsion spring 96 is againprovided to bias operat ing lever in a counter-clockwise direction, thusto force pin 93 into its sealed position as shown by FIG. 14. Pushbutton '72 and its operating shank '71 are connected also as previouslydescribed for rotating lever 95 in a clockwise direction, thus towithdraw pin 93 to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 14, thus toallow spray to issue.

As a further variation of the spray nozzle and control mechanism, inFIGS. l5 and 16 an arrangement is shown wherein a pivoted lever isadapted to block off or open the liquid spray orifice. In this instance,pivoted valve lever 97 is mounted on a pivot pin 98 carried by a bracket$9 secured in any appropriate manner to steam tube 58. This pivotedlever 97 can move from an open position, as shown in dotted lines, to `aclosedposition, as shown in full lines. A sealing pad is provided forsealing the spray po-rt when the lever is in its closed position. Such apivoted lever can be operated by any appropriate linkage, for example byan angular push rod 101. Push rod 1411 includes an end portion pivotallyconnected at 192 to the valve lever 97. A push rod guide 1% secured, forexample, to handle 3 may be added in order to guide the linear motion ofpush rod 101. A leaf spring 104, having one of its ends secured to thexed bracket 70, biases the push rod upwardly, and thus biases the valvemember 97 to its closed position with respect to the spray port. Again,the operator may select spray operation by depressing push vbutton 72connected to push rod 101. This, of course, causes the valve lever 97 tobe pivoted away from the spray port, thus allowing steam and atomizedliquid to issue for spray onto the fabric as previously described.

While this invention has been described by reference to particularembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that numerous modiiicationsmay be made by those skilled in the art without actually departing fromthe invention. It is, therefore, the aim of the appended claims to coverall such equivalent variations as come within the true spirit and scopeof the foregoing disclosure.

What We claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

1. In a liquid spray iron, -a liquid reservoir, means generating andsupplying steam under pressure into said revervoir, a spray nozzle onsaid iron having a steam tube in communication with the steam space ofsaid reservoir and terminating in a spray aperture, a liquid tube incommunication with the liquid space in said reservoir, said liquid tubebeing positioned internally of said steam tube with an outletdischarging liquid into said spray aperture, an end cap slidablypositioned over the end of saidstearn tube adapted to close off and opensaid aperture in the steam tube to the atmosphere depending upon theposition of saidcap, and manually operable means :for moving said cap.

2. In a liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating andsupplying steam under pressure to said reservoir, a spray nozzle on saidiron having a steam tube terminating in a spray discharge laperture andin communication with the steam space of said reservoir, a water tube incommunication with the liquid space in said reservoir, said water tubebeing positioned internally of said steam tube and including a port fordischarge of liquid into said spray aperture, and valve means forselectively opening `and closing said discharge aperture in said steamtube.

3. In a liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating andsupplying steam under pressure to said reservoir, a spray nozzle on saidiron having a steam tube in communication with the steam space of saidreservoir and terminating in a spray aperture, a water conduit incommunication with the liquid space in said reservoir, said Waterconduit being positioned internally of said steam tube and including anoutlet to discharge liquid into said spray aperture, and a sleeveslidable with respect to said steam tube to open and close saidaperture, thereby to control liquid spray by control of steam flowthrough said aperture.

4. The combination of claim 2 wherein an inlet screen is included on theinlet for said liquid tube. 5. In a steam iron, a flash steam generator,a liquid reservoir including a metering valve controlling ow of liquidinto said steam generator, a pressure balance tube communicating fromsaid steam generator to said reservoir above the water level therein,steam utilization means including a steam passage in communication withsaid steam generator, a pressure regulating valve in said steam passagefor maintaining a predetermined steam pressure within said steamgenerator, a fill passageway into said reservoir, a liquid till valve insaid fill passageway for said reservoir biased to a closed position bysteam pressure within said reservoir, spring means normally biasing saidtill valve to `a closed position, and manually operable means movableindependently of said fill valve for relieving the spring force againstsaid ll valve and for manually opening said pressure regulating valve.

6. In a steam iron, `a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure to said reservoir, a fill passageway including aliquid lill valve for said reservoir, means exposed to steam pressurewithin said reservoir to bias said lill valve to a closed position,resilient means biasing said valve to a closed position, and manuallyoperable means movable independently of said fill valve for relievingthe pressure of said resilient means.

7. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure to said reservoir, a liquid ll valve for saidreservoir including means to bias said fill valve to a closed positionby steam pressure within said reservoir, a spring biasing said valve toa closed position, a till valve opening spring exerting less force onsaid fill valve than said first mentioned spring, and manually operablemeans movable with respect to said ll valve for relieving the pressureof said first mentioned spring against said ll Valve.

8. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure -to said reservoir, a liquid till valve for saidreservoir including means to bias said valve to a closed positionresponsive to steam pressure within said reservoir, resilient meansbiasing said valve to a closed position, manually operable means movablewith respect to said fill valve for relieving the valve closing pressureof said resilient means, and pressure relief means for said reservoiroperated to an open position by said manually operable means.

9. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure -to said reservoir, a steam discharge passage fromsaid steam generation means, a pressure regulator in said dischargepassage for maintaining substantially uniform normal operating pressure,a liquid ll valve for said reservoir including means to bias said valveto a closed position by steam pressure within said reservoir, resilientmeans biasing said valve to a closed position, and manually operablemeans for relieving said resilient fill Valve biasing means and foroperating said pressure regulator to an open position while said fillvalve remains in a closed position.

10. In a steam iron, a flash steam generator, a liquid' reservoirincluding a metering valve controlling flow of liquid into said steamgenerator, a pressure balance tube communicating from said steamgenerator to said reservoir above Ithe water level therein, a steamdischarge passage from said generator, a pressure regulator in saidsteam discharge passage maintaining la predetermined steam pressurewithin .the iron, a fill passageway through which liquid may beintroduced into said reservoir, a liquid fill valve in said fillpassageway, means biasing said ll valve to a closed position by steampressure within said reservoir, spring means normally biasing said fillvalve to a closed position, and manually operable means for closing saidmetering valve, opening said pressure regulating valve, and relievingspring force against said fill valve in a single operation independentlyof said iill valve.

. l1, In a steam and spray iron, a Hash steam generator, a liquidreservoir positioned to supply liquid to said generator and having meansproviding liquid and steam communication with said generator, a steamcontrol Valve regulating liquid flow from said reservoir to saidgenerator including push button operating means therefor, a steamdischarge passage from said generator to the ironing surface, a pressureregulator valve in said steam discharge passage to maintain asubstantially uniform pressure during steam generation, -a fillpassageway and ll valve therein `through which liquid may be introducedinto said reservoir and provided with spring means tending to close saidvalve, said push button operating means functioning to relieve pressureof said ll valve spring when said steam control valve is moved to aclosed position, thereby to permit said fill valve to open, a liquidsprayer including a steam tube and water tube in communication with saidreservoir, valve means on said sprayer outlet, and a second push buttonmeans for operating said sprayer valve.

12. In a steam and spray iron, a steam generator, a liquid reservoirpositioned to supply liquid to said generator and having means providingliquid and steam communication with said generator, steam control meansregulating steam generation from liquid supplied from said reservoir tosaid generator including manually operable means therefor, a steamdischarge passage from said generator to the |ironing surface, apressure regulator in said steam discharge passage to maintain asubstantially uniform operating pressure during steam generation, a tillpassageway and ll valve therein through which liquid may be introducedinto said reservoir and provided with y resilient means tending to closesaid valve, said manually operable means functioning to relieve theforce of said resilient means when said steam control means is moved toterminate steam generation, thereby to permit said fill valve to open, aliquid sprayer including a steam tube and a water tube in communicationwith said reservoir, valve means on said sprayer outlet, and secondmanually operable means for operating said sprayer valve means.

13. In a steam iron, a ash steam generator, a liquid reservoir in liquidflow relation to said generator and Y within said reservoir tending to`close said valve, means to relieve pressure within said iron renderedoperative when said steam control valve is moved to an off position,thereby to permit said ll valve to open, a liquid sprayer directedtoward a surface being ironed and including a steam tube and water tubein communication with said reservoir, valve means on said sprayeroutlet, and manually operable means for said sprayer valve.

14. In a steam iron including a steam generator and a liquid reservoirunder pressure, a steam discharge passage from said generator, and apressure regulator and vent valve in said passage, said pressureregulator and vent valve comprising a valve seat, a valve stem, a valvebushing encircling said stem and having a relatively loose fit with andslidable on said stem, a pressure regulator valve disk carried by saidlbushing and cooperable with said valve seat, resilient means biasingsaid valve disk to a closed position `with respect to said valve seat, asecond valve disk carried by said valve stem and engageable with saidbushing, and resilient means biasing said second valve disk into sealingengagement with said bushing, thereby to seal off the space between saidloosely tting bushing and said Valve stem.

15 In a steam iron, a liquid sprayer comprising `a liquid reservoir,means to provide steam under pressure into said reservoir, a steam ytubecommunicating with the steam space in said reservoir and having adischarge orice remote from said reservoir, a liquid tube communieatingwith the liquid in said reservoir and discharging by aspiration intosaid steam discharge orice, and valve means associated with said steamtube discharge orifice, whereby said steam and -water tubes are exposedconstantly to normal steam operating temperature, thereby to permitinstantaneous sprayer operation without initial condensation in saidsteam tube.

16. In a steam and liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir, a steamgenerator positioned to receive liquid from said reservoir includingheating means for conversion of liquid to steam, manually operable meansto control said generator selectively for steam and dry ironing, meansto spray liquid including a water conduit in communication with saidreservoir to supply liquid for said spray means and a steam passage toprovide steam to atomize the liquid, and second manually operable meansto control said liquid spray means.

17. A steam and spray iron comprising an electrically heated soleplatehaving a steam generating cavity therein, a liquid reservoir positionedabove said soleplate includ ing a metering passageway to supply liquidto said cavity, a liquid spray nozzle, means within the reservoir and inliquid communication therewith and in steam flow communication with saidsteam generating cavity for spraying liquid through said nozzle, ahandle including a front handle support for the iron and a push buttonincluding means extending through said front handle support foractuating said liquid spraying means.

18. In a steam and liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir,

'a steam generator positioned to receive liquid ow from said reservoir,means supplying steam under pressure to said reservoir including apressure balancing tube in communication with said reservoir andgenerator, a steam tube in communication with said steam generator andhaving a discharge spray orice, a liquid tube extending from saidreservoir to a discharge point in spray relation to said steam sprayorifice, and baille means within said reservoir encompassing saidbalancing tube to restrict steam circulation within said reservoir andthereby to provide a direct restricted volume for steam ow from saidgenerator to said steam tube.

19. In a steam and liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir, a steamgenerator positioned to, receive liquid from said reservoir, a steamconduit for supplying steam under pressure to said reservoir, a steamtube in communication with said steam generator and having a dischargespray oriice, and a liquid supply tube discharging into said sprayorifice, said steam conduit providing substantially direct steam viiowlfrom said generator to said steam tube, thereby to limit condensationof steam.

20. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure to said reservoir, manually operable meanscontrolling said steam generating means, a liquid ll valve for saidreservoir including means to bias said Valve to a closed positionresponsive to steam pressure within said reservoir, and meansinterconnected with said manually operable means to relieve steampressure within said reservoir when said manually operable means -ismoved to terminate steam generation.

21. In a steam and liquid spray iron, a flash steam generator, a liquidreservoir positioned to supply liquid to said generator, a steam conduitfor conducting steam under pressure from said generator to saidreservoir, a steam passage in communication with said steam generatorand having a discharge spray orice, a liquid supply tube conductingliquid from said reservoir to said spray orifice, and baffle meansencompassing said steam conduit and said steam passage, whereby saidbaille means limits steam condensation within said reservoir andmaintains operating temperatures within the space enclosed by saidbaiile means.

22. In a liquid spray iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating andsupplying steam under pressure to said reservoir, a spray nozzle on saidiron having a spray tube terminating in a spray discharge aperture,means supplying steam and water to said spray tube from said reservoir,valve means located in the immediate vicinity of said spray dischargeaperture for controlling discharge from said spray nozzle to preventdripping from the nozzle `when the valve is operated, and means foroperating said valve.

23. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating and supplyingsteam under pressure to said reservoir, a liquid till passageway forsaid reservoir, valve means to close said fill passageway, said valvemeans being responsive to steam within said reservoir above atmosphericpressure to maintain said fill passageway closed, and manually operablemeans to open said valve means in the absence of steam pressure in thereservoir.

24. In a steam iron, a liquid reservoir, means generating `and supplyingsteam under pressure to said reservoir, a liquid till passageway forsaid reservoir, valve means to close said till passageway, said valvemeans being responsive to steam within said reservoir above atmosphericpressure to maintain said ll passageway closed, manually operable meansto open said valve means in the absence of steam pressure in thereservoir, and means to release gradually steam pressure within saidreservoir upon operation of said manually operable means in a directionto open said iill passageway.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,165,541 Foster July l1, 1939 2,387,757 Hoecker Oct. 30, 1945 2,499,185Finlayson Feb. 28, 1950 2,520,360 Clark Aug. 29, 1950 2,662,316 JohnsonDec. 15, 1953 2,729,904 Maykemper Jan. 10, 1956 2,755,574 Herman July24, 1956 2,762,143 Hoecker Sept. 11, 1956 2,802,288 Hoecker Aug. 13,1957 2,805,497 Gomersall Sept. 10, 1957 2,810,218 Hoecker Oct. 22, 19572,892,272 Finlayson et al. June 30,V 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 345,560Germany Dec. 13, 1921

